Benue State University, Makurdi

RELIGION AND DEVELOPMENT: AN EXPLORATION OF THE BASIS OF WHOLISTIC EDUCATION

Kwaji Tizhe Takwate (PhD)

Abstract

Religion has been destructively criticized largely due to the sufferings and devastating situations humanity has and is passing through over the years. In Nigeria for example it is as a result of many killings and displacements caused by religious riots, Maitatsine and boko haram. Based on these, religion is seen as being pervasive and it continues to weaken the moral fiber of the world and as the greatest challenge to religious practices and development in the 21st century. Therefore, any developmental tool that is effective and can drive home development must be such that is particularly viable in tackling the problems of religion. Thus, in a bid to revitalize a society already bedeviled with various degenerating ills, religious education which is wholistic in nature should become everyone’s focus. This paper describes the importance, the curriculum and technique for teaching wholistic religion education for religious tolerance and sustainable development. The paper concludes that no known religion is devoid of moral and ethical principles and religion is a force which has mostly influenced the character of mankind. This paper maintained that development can be enriched by the insights offered by religion, faith, spirituality and values. Based on these, the paper recommended that religion should be carried along in making policies, the study of moral education should be made compulsory in all categories of learning and the National Orientation Agency should also include it in their plans and school curriculum should be more of reflective thinking.

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